Pa 584 Intergovernmental Management

You Decide: Week 6

As a recent hired, mid-level manager, at my state one of my first tasks is to coordinate the purchase of supplies and services for an emergency training, paid by the federal government. Base on the scenario, the ethical issue that I am facing is that the FEMA Training Manager Jim Phanner, who is also in my counterpart at the federal level and in charge of providing the federal grant to the state, is trying to persuade me to use the service of one of his friend’s company.   Mr. Phanner mentioned that he is the one who was in charge of providing the grant as a way of basically pressuring me into complying with his suggestion. His suggestion was for me to utilize the services of Pat Provedor, who is a sales representative at Timo Manufacturing Company for the exercise. Mr. Phanner has even suggested that if I use his friend’s company that I might be invited to watch games at his friend’s company’s skybox. These tickets for the game would be in exchange for hiring his friend. Assuming that no laws have been broken there is still a huge problem here because my decision is being influenced. Moreover, I would gain something of value, namely skybox seats to a game, if I comply with these requests. Now, the reality is that these actions are in fact illegal and against the Anti-Kickback Act of 1986 among other federal, state and local laws.

One great way to avoid these types of scenarios is by using competitive bidding when ever the services from outside companies is needed. Competitive bidding seems to be a great tool to use in this scenario and in general, since we are talking about money from the government. When money from the government is involved the best less expensive alternative should be used and competitive bidding helps to ensure that this happens. And, as stated in the scenario Pat’s company might not be the best option.

If I were not able to resolve the issue, by ending the pressure of choosing anyone in particular, I would have to...